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Versatile Variseeder key to overseeding

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Versatile Variseeder key to overseeding: The versatile SISIS Variseeder 1300 has been key to overseeding without disruption according to Simon Marshall, Head Greenkeeper at Wishaw Golf Club.

Simon has been working at the golf club in the West Midlands for an impressive 26 years. It could, however, have been a vastly different story as rather interestingly, he used to be a candle maker and delivered them to churches all over the country. As a keen golfer, and already a member of Wishaw Golf Club, there was only one job he wanted.

Versatile Variseeder key to overseeding

Versatile Variseeder key to overseeding

“I have been a member at Wishaw since the age of 27 and I was so keen to get into greenkeeping that I spent the first summer helping out around the course, raking bunkers, cutting tees, and slowly learning the business.”

His willingness and work ethic were rewarded when he was offered a full-time role at the 18-hole parkland course. Simon is now the Head Greenkeeper, and even though he admits that there is still a lot of work to do, the course is progressing nicely.

He explained that one such improvement was to start to incorporate more bent grass into the greens and to do this they needed to look at new equipment.

“Our aim is to try and get as much bent grass into the greens as possible and we thought that we could really do with a seeder,” he said. “The first one we tried was a slit seeder but it just caused too much disruption. It was at this point that our attentions turned to the SISIS Variseeder.

“I spoke to a few other greenkeepers from other courses, and they all recommended the Variseeder – it just seemed a no-brainer.”

The SISIS Variseeder is a versatile easy to use tractor mounted seeder with a variable seeding rate ideal for golf course maintenance and for use on lawns and amenity areas. It has a fast work rate, is low maintenance with few wearing parts and enables overseeding to be undertaken without taking ground out of play. Complete with a studded roller, the Variseeder prepares the seedbed by creating thousands of little “plant pots” to receive the seed without linear grooves that can disturb play.

Versatile Variseeder key to overseeding

Versatile Variseeder key to overseeding

“I like the fact that the Variseeder is light and very easy to use,” said Simon. “We are quite a wet course in the winter and our tees experience a lot of wear. Therefore, the lighter the machine the better and the Variseeder is brilliant in that respect.

“Its versatility is its best feature. We overseed with it three times a year on the greens, overseed on the tees as much as we can, and the surrounds too. I also like how you can use it with different types of seed. If you can buy one machine that can do multiple jobs, then it is a bonus in my opinion.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow SISIS on Twitter or Instagram @SISISMachinery and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery You can also view the latest SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery

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ICL central to performance at Hogs Head

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ICL central to performance at Hogs Head: David Daly, Golf Course Superintendent at Hogs Head Golf Club in Ireland, has long relied on a wide range of ICL products, from the initial grow-in to now helping him maintain the award-winning 18-hole course to a consistently high level.

David started in the role when it was formerly known as Skellig Bay Golf Club. That was before the club was bought by current owners Bryan Marsal and Tony Alvarez II. What came next was an incredible transformation which has since seen the course voted “Ireland’s Best Course” and “Best New International Course” by Golf.com.

ICL central to performance at Hogs Head

ICL central to performance at Hogs Head

Designed by the highly regarded Robert Trent Jones Jr., David was heavily involved in the plans and the grow-in period which took place from 2016 to mid-2017. Utilising the experience he gained in his previous roles at Waterville Golf Links and Killeen Castle, and by working closely with Keith Boland from Goldcrop, David thoroughly researched the best products to use for the grow-in.

The products he selected were predominantly from ICL, and they have continued to be central to his yearly turf management plan ever since.

It is safe to say that Vitalnova Stressbuster, which he uses to pre-condition the turf against stress, is one of his most favoured products.

“I like the instant impact the product provides,” he said. “Especially the immediate natural green colour response. The simplicity of use, the ‘fully-loaded’ liquid formulation (the product contains a wetting agent, biostimulants, amino acids, macro nutrients, micro nutrients and iron) and that it is so tank-mixable.”

David mixes Stressbuster with H2Pro TriSmart, PGRs and seaweeds before he applies it monthly from March through to September for best results.

At the start of each year David works with his team to create a yearly turf management plan, and although the weather on the south west coast of Ireland means the plan often has to adapt, ICL products are a common feature regardless.

In 2020 there was 2,000mm of rainfall, but David also has to contend with long periods of drought. It is for these reasons that David needs a proven water management product, and he chooses to use H2Pro TriSmart which he says, “ticks all the boxes.”

TriSmart’s unique triple-active formulation provides great control over moisture management. Containing three water management technologies, it provides effective water penetration, even water spread through the rootzone and improves the water holding capacity of sandy rootzones. David applies TriSmart monthly to his tees and greens at 10L/ha.

When it comes to feeding, he relies on Sierrablen 28-5-5 – a granular fertilizer which provides sufficient nutrition for the entire main growing season in just a single application.

“It is the Rolls Royce of granular controlled release fertilisers,” he said. “The controlled release formulation of this product is key, especially with so much rainfall throughout the year.”

David uses Sierrablen on his fairways and green surrounds, and because he has a short season, starting in May, Sierrablen’s longevity of 5-6 months gives him a certain peace of mind.

Aside from the spectacular golf course, Hogs Head Golf Club also boasts a stunning clubhouse and accommodations consisting of a luxurious lodge and multiple golf cottages. Around the clubhouse and accommodations, David uses Gronamic, an organo-mineral fertiliser which he says has “transformed the areas.”

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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Real life scenarios to develop the Ranger Diesel

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Real life scenarios to develop the Ranger Diesel: Since its founding in 1954, Polaris has been inviting people to Think Outside and discover the joy of being outdoors.

The innovation, performance and growth that has allowed Polaris to become a global leader in off-road vehicles have been driven by the diversity and passion of its customers, staff, dealers and stakeholders across the world. To celebrate the people behind the brand, Polaris has launched a new initiative, called Polaris People, to showcase how, for many people, Polaris isn’t just a brand but a life choice.

Real life scenarios to develop the Ranger Diesel

Real life scenarios to develop the Ranger Diesel

Polaris People is a video series documenting the stories of individuals across Europe, Middle East and Africa, where Polaris plays an essential role in their lives, all united by a thirst for the outdoors.

EPISODE 2: Rhys Thomas, Hill Farmer in Wales

For more than 20 years, Polaris has been building off-road vehicles that represent years of research and development, allowing them to perform better, work harder and ride smoother. The launch of the new Ranger Diesel in 2019 was no exception: Inspired by its users, Polaris saw the opportunity to develop the Ranger Diesel into something specifically adapted to its European market. To do this, Polaris enlisted the help of existing customers to drive improvements in line with real-life requirements.

The second episode of Polaris People introduces Rhys Thomas – a hill farmer in Wales, UK, and a longstanding Polaris customer. Living in Wales – a country known for its rugged coastline, contrasting valleys and mountains and temperamental weather conditions – Pen Isa Dre Farm boasts endless rolling hills in a secluded area of Abergele, making it the perfect destination for testing the capabilities of the pre-production Ranger Diesel.

Rhys was one of four UK farmers selected to test the Ranger Diesel before it was launched. Being a hill farmer, he relies on his Polaris machines to reach all areas of his land, as well as making his daily tasks more efficient, like fencing, rounding up and moving around the animals with a trailer, towing the animal feeders, and even as a means of transport in snowy and adverse weather conditions when other vehicles are not able to access the farm.

“We were big fans of the previous diesel model, so we were a little cautious trying the new one,” said Rhys. “But we soon realised that it was indeed a much better, improved machine. My son summed the model up by calling it ‘The Beast’.”

Improved reliability, durability, performance and refinement were all key objectives for the project, and Polaris was keen to ensure the product had delivered on these before it made the final call to release the product into production.

With its new, powerful and durable diesel engine and lower cost of ownership thanks to an increased engine service interval to over 200 hours, plus a host of other design, capability and ergonomic enhancements, the satisfaction from the customer trials was overwhelming, leading to the launch of the Ranger Diesel as we now know it in April 2019.

“The Ranger Diesel is a godsend for us, and we were happy to be a part of its initial trial in the UK. Tried, tested and approved by us.”

Check out the second episode of Polaris People to join Rhys and his son on their family farm in Wales, as they give you an inside look at the beautiful Welsh countryside and how the Ranger Diesel helps their everyday life. Available to watch on the Polaris Off-Road International YouTube channel here.

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BIGGA to host Women & Girls Golf Week

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BIGGA to host Women & Girls Golf Week: Women & Girls’ Golf Week returns this month and Monday 16th will see attention turn to those ladies who have built a successful career in the golf industry.

To mark the occasion the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) will welcome Emma Ballard, editor of Women & Golf, as she hosts an online chat with four talented female greenkeepers and finds out more about what they enjoy about their chosen careers.

BIGGA to host Women & Girls Golf Week

BIGGA to host Women & Girls Golf Week

The online chat will take place on 16 August at 4pm and joining Emma will be:

  • Lucy Sellick, course manager at Wenvoe Castle Golf Club
  • Sophie Bulpitt, deputy course manager at The Berkshire Golf Club
  • Amanda Dorans, sustainability coordinator at The Gleneagles Hotel
  • Anna Nilsson, irrigation technician at The Belfry

The chat will be an opportunity to find out what attracted these four ladies to the industry and showcase the incredible opportunities for career development it presents.

Anyone interested in a potential career in greenkeeping – male or female – is invited to register and listen in to the conversation.

Emma Ballard, who recently graduated from The R&A’s Women in Golf Leadership Programme, said: “As someone who has been lucky enough to forge a career in golf, I know what a wonderful industry it is to work in. Whether playing, as part of the media – like myself – or as one of the rising number of brilliant female greenkeepers in the industry, there’s no better place to spend your working life than out on the golf course. I’m really excited to sit and chat to these four incredibly talented female greenkeepers, who all come from a wide variety of backgrounds but are united in their shared passion for their profession. I hope you’re able to join us!”

You can register for the event online at: https://www.bigga.org.uk/event/women-and-girls-golf-week-greenkeeping-its-a-great-career.html

Women & Girls’ Golf Week is an online campaign hosted by England Golf that promotes female participation in golf at all levels and seeks to challenge negative perceptions about the game. You can keep up to date with related activities throughout the week by following the hashtag #WhyIGolf on social media.

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Hayter Ltd to change name to Toro U.K. Limited

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Hayter Ltd to change name to Toro U.K. Limited: Hayter Ltd, which is part of The Toro Company, will be changing its name to Toro U.K. Limited on 3rd August 2021.

The name change to Toro U.K. Limited will align the UK operation with the rest of Toro’s subsidiaries outside of the United States, and the strategic focus to grow the Toro® brand in the consumer, light construction, landscape contractor and arboricultural markets.

Hayter Ltd to change name to Toro U.K. Limited

Hayter Ltd to change name to Toro U.K. Limited

Toro U.K. Limited remains committed to the Hayter® brand, which this year celebrates its 75th anniversary. The brand will continue to be a significant part of the Toro U.K. Limited portfolio with manufacturing and selling of the Hayter range of premium quality lawn care products continuing from its Spellbrook factory in the UK.

The Hayter brand will retain the Royal Warrant, with which it has been proudly associated since the 1960s and Toro U.K. Limited will continue to invest and develop new Hayter products, including the new 60v Hawk range, which comes to market this autumn.

The Toro Company, a leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for the outdoor environment, acquired Hayter Ltd in 2005 and continues to invest in the UK manufacturing plant.

The new company name will not change the nature of business, nor will it have any effect on existing relations with customers, partners, suppliers, contracts or personnel.
Craig Hoare, Sales and Marketing Manager Toro U.K. Limited commented, “The change is in name only and everything else is business as usual. The new name will help us to layout our strategy for the Toro & Hayter brands in the UK market and grow with our existing retailers.”

The business is keen to invite anyone who has any questions about the change in name to contact their territory manager.

For more information please visit www.toro.com/en-gb and www.hayter.co.uk

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